Evaluation of the Effect of Ligaria cuneifolia Infusion on Plasma Cholesterol and Liver and Kidney Function in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk

Ligaria cuneifolia (R. et P.) Tiegh. –Loranthaceae– (Lc), commonly used in traditional medicine, is believed to reduce total plasma cholesterol (TC) and improve blood flow. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ingesting Lc infusions on plasma cholesterol, Whole Blood Viscosity (WBV), Hepatic Function (HF), and Renal Function (RF) in patients with cholesterol levels >200 mg/dL. Methods: Twelve patients were studied. Baseline venous Blood samples (B) were collected for initial measurements. Each participant received freeze-dried Lc extract to be ingested as an infusion three times per week. After 31 days, post-treatment blood samples (TLc) were obtained. Plasma determinations included: TC, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), urea, and creatinine using enzymatic methods (mg/dL); Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) using kinetic methods (U/L); and WBV using a rotational viscometer. Relative Blood Viscosity (RBV) was calculated. Statistical analysis Wilcoxon test for paired data. Results (median and 95% CI): TC: B: 230 (205-278); TLc: 229.6 (200-251) ns; HDL-C: B: 59 (42-84); TLc: 63.5 (35-76) ns; LDL-C: B: 185.5 (140-239); TLc: 169.5 (135-215) *; RBV: B: 2.99 (2.5-3.38); TLc: 3.05 (2.20-3.79) ns; AST: B: 21.5 (15-30); TLc: 20.5 (15-32) ns; ALT: B: 21 (6-31);TLc: 17.5 (7-27) *; ALP: B: 77 (55-100); TLc: 77 (70-100) ns; urea: B: 31.5 (22-52); TLc: 33 (22-49) ns; creatinine: B: 0.89 (0.711.22); TLc: 0.83 (0.580.13) ns. (*p < 0.05 vs B; ns = n significant vs B). Conclusion: The treatment significantly reduced LDL-C levels without altering TC, HDL-C, RBV, RF, AST, or ALP. ALT, a biochemical marker of hepatic steatosis, was also significantly reduced. Given the association between LDL-C and atherosclerosis, these findings suggest Lc could be a viable option for cardiovascular disease prevention.